264 ZOOLOGY. 



tributed over most of the world, being much more abundant, however, in 

 tropical and' sub-tropical latitudes. The first and most characteristic 

 feature is the scarcity of small teeth in the jaws. The upper jaw presents 

 few if any teeth on its exterior, contrasting strikingly in this respect with 

 harmless colubrine snakes, in which the teeth, though small, are in very 

 great numbers. This absence of prehensile instruments is more than 

 compensated by the formidable poison fangs. These are situated in the 

 diminutive superior maxillary bone, which is so articulated to the external 

 pterygoid bone that when the latter is pulled back by the muscle of the 

 jaw the maxillary is drawn back also, and its attached fangs are imbedded 

 in the soft mucous gum, with the point directed backwards. On the other 

 hand, a drawing forward of the pterygoid pushes up the maxillary, and the 

 fangs then stand more or less perpendicular to the roof of the mouth. The 

 fang itself consists of a tube, very sharp at the point, and formed by the 

 bendinc: over of the sides of the OTowinsf tooth, leavina; a seam in front, 

 which ultimately becomes wholly or partly obliterated. A tin tube, bent 

 up, but not soldered, and cut off obliquely below, so as to form a cutting 

 point, affords a good illustration of the character of the fang ; or else we 

 may imagine a solid conical tooth, flattened out and bent so as to form a 

 hollow tube. The glands which secrete the poison are situated one on 

 each side of the posterior part of the head, and consist of lobules which 

 discharge the venom into the common duct continuous with the hollow of 

 the fang. These glands are surrounded by a strong aponeurotic bag in 

 connexion with muscles which are capable thereby of exertin^ a powerful 

 compression, and of forcing out the venom with great violence into a 

 wound. 



Antidotes to the bite of venomous serpents have been anxiously sought 

 for in all countries where such species exist. No directions applicable to 

 all possible cases can be given, but the following indications, chiefly by Dr. 

 Leuz, as the result of his long continued observations on the European 

 viper, are worthy of all attention, as applicable in general to the rattle- 

 snakes and copperheads of our own country. 



No time is to be lost in obtaining assistance after being bitten by a 

 serpent ; if a pair of sharp scissors or a knife be at hand, open up the 

 wound immediately and allow it to bleed freely, after which it is to be well 

 washed ; if the wound be a simple scratch, washing alone will, perhaps, 

 suffice. If the bite is not to be managed in this way, endeavor to apply, as 

 soon as possible, a powerful pressure to the wound, by laying a small 

 pebble or other minute object directly on (not merely near) it, tying round 

 a handkerchief, or using the finger, to keep up a direct pressure on the 

 spot, and continuing this application until the place affected can be conve- 

 niently cut out, or cupping-glasses applied. As long as the direct pressure 

 lasts there will be no absorption of the poison, and if no other application 

 be possible the thumb may be kept upon the wound until help can be 

 obtained. The jiuncture of the wound may sometimes be reached by the 

 mouth of the patient or a companion, in which case prompt suction of the 

 spot may render further remedies unnecessary. This may be done by the 

 468 



